Dr. Nigella Hillgarth

@KerryeagleMee So sorry to hear this sad news

Sad to hear of the death of Terry Carruthers. His book, Kerry A Natural History (1998) is a treasure trove of knowledge on the flora and fauna of Kerry, where he lived and worked as a ranger at Killarney Nat Park. He was obviously a fine naturalist, ornithologist and ringer.

@TheLastPersont2 I will check and get back to you!

@NHillgarth Hi Nigella - Happy New Year! are you aware of any recent research on Weddell seal calls and their possible echolocation abilities? Thanks

Weddell Seal. These remarkable Antarctic marine mammals can dive over 2,000 feet and stay submerged for 45 minutes. They have a wide vocal range and may even use echolocation in finding prey.

The Cassin’s Kingbird flies past in pursuit of a small insect

There is a Cassin’s Kingbird in the neighborhood and this morning it was hunting for insects in the yard

Another Townsend’s Warbler spent time in the garden last week. This one appears to be an immature as the black Breast feathers are speckled with yellow

It’s that time of year when the crows come to feast on the palm trees across the street

The Golden Bridge, San Francisco at sunset

This does not do justice to last night’s magnificent sunset!

A resident Black Phoebe looking for insects

A classic House Wren pose. Look at those long legs and feet!

A lovely Say’s Phoebe spent a few days by the ocean, Birdrock, La Jolla CA, last week

@Hawaiianimages It is certainly a much prettier name!

First Scaly-breasted Munia I have seen in the garden. This species was introduced into the wild through caged birds escaping. Munias are originally from Asia, and now well-established in coastal California and a few other places.

I am pretty certain this is the same Yellow-rumped Warbler that has been in and around the yard for many’s days now. I hope it will stay over the winter.

One of my favorite yard birds is back - Yellow-rumped Warbler. They have been migrating through for a few weeks now. this may be a female cross between two races, the Myrtle X Audubon. It has some yellow on the throat like the Audubon, but brownish head and back like Myrtle.

@efrausto @MackinSolomon @sdpressclub Congratulations !

Nine #journalism #awards between @MackinSolomon and me at the @sdpressclub event tonight. I’m so proud of our joint and singular efforts at #LaJolla Light. I am reveling in the recognition!

There are many juvenile Lesser Goldfinches around at the moment - taking advantage of local nyjer seed bird feeders.

The Song sparrows are in the yard a lot and busy eating - this year’s juveniles are still around as well.

A migrating Warbling Vireo spent time in the garden yesterday. La Jolla, CA

@MemoirScribe Yes, rather small and very quick when feeding making it hard to capture on camera!

@NHillgarth Ohhhhh! So pretty! I’m sure very tiny.

Back in La Jolla Female or juvenile Black-throated Gray Warbler around the yard.